WeAreCeliac.org - The Social Support Network for People Living with Celiac Disease

Ever since I was a little girl I remember being fatigued most of the time and just feeling like something wasn't right with the world. Eventually I found that something was a sensation being caused by Celiac disease. After graduation from college in 2004 I experienced a physical breakdown and was extremely sick for about three years. I was nearly dehabilitated by fatigue and brain fog, my hair was falling out, I experienced amenorrhea for over 9 months and developed systemic candidiasis. I blamed it on candidiasis and food allergies for a long time. But It wasn't until I met the man that would become my future husband that it all came together.

Two weeks after our first date I told him he had "food issues", just by watcing him I could tell. 6 months into our relationship he had a sudden onset of severe abdominal pain, various other GI symptoms, and weakness that left him bed ridden and on short-term disability for a month. The symptoms never went away, he just got well enough to get out of bed so he started going back to work. We finally got our diagnosis after going from doctor to doctor for three months. The final Dr. looked at Christian's antibody test results and said "well I hate to ruin your life but this is it".

At this point I saw the similarities in our health problems and was also tested. Now we have been gluten-free since June of 2006, and we've gotten our lives back. Our diagnoses have sent a chain reaction through our families and 8 more have been diagnosed and gone GF ( 2 more are getting tested now), and each one says it has changed their lives.

I was born in Londond Enland and have lived in.... Fargo ND, Fergus Falls MN, Lansing MI, Fukui Japan, Columbia MO, Kirland WA, and finally Edinboro PA. I have backpacked through Europe, and have traveled all over the US. I love almost any type of creativity whether it be baking, painting or sewing a dress.

I recently did a presentation at my university on CD, covering the the disease process, genetics, demographics and the lifestyle.

I'm currently a nursing student working as an intern in a medical ICU. I look forward to helping people who have CD whether it be at work or in the grocery aisle.

BFA in painting and drawing (mostly anatomical illustration and painting). Now in nursing school.

Student

Currently an Intern in a Medical ICU. Was an art teacher for 3 years for grades 1-12. Also worked for two summers at a treatment program for kids with ADHD.

June 11, 2006

Dr. Kerry

GF diet baby!

Health

100% GF and avoiding other food allergies.

Healthy and fully functional.

No

Also suffer from several food allergies: all citrus, grapes, and corn.